Willoughby - Cleveland Elks #18 Works To End Child Hunger
Tonight we met with Meredith Everett, Meredith is the founder of "End 68 Hours of Hunger" here in Lake County. Sixty-eight hours represents the time from when a child leaves school on Friday until they go back on Monday.
From Left: Jeff Romito, Exalted Ruler, Meridith Baxter, Dianna Passwaiter Ohio State Association' Emblem Club Past State President, Susan Knight, Past Exalted Ruler and Mary Kay Neff, Emblem Club #508 Secretary.
End 68 Hours of Hunger distributes bags of healthy and nutritious food item to children throughout Lake County during the school year to children who may be experiencing food distress. Ideally, these bags will help them navigate the weekend with food items to help combat hunger. We are pleased to have been able to present her with a check for $2,000. to use towards this project. These funds came available to us through the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant.
The donation doesn't end our obligation, we have committed to helping assemble these bags once the school year resumes this coming fall, and we will be looking for some "special help", consider stepping up when the call goes out.
The Lodge first became aware of End 68 Hours of Hunger when Dianna was State President for The Ohio State Association of Emblem Clubs. We couldn’t be happier to be associated with End 68 Hours of Hunger or Emblem.
Together, we can make a difference.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Announces Legacy Scholarship Winner
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 have announced the awarding of a $4,000 Legacy Award Scholarship by the Elks National Foundation to Kyra Welch. The Legacy Award Scholarships are awarded by the Elks National Foundation and are only available to children and grandchildren of Elk Members. Ms. Welch graduated this spring from Van Wert High School and will be attending this fall Wittenberg University and will be majoring in education and minoring in exercise science. She also will be playing basketball for Wittenberg.
During high school Kyra was a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Spanish Club, Service Pack, VW Athletic Sportsmanship Committee, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and participated in Cross Country, Football and Basketball Cheer, Competition Cheer and was a scholar track athlete.
Kyra is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She is a competitive dancer at Kim Hohman’s Dance Works, member of the 4H Bunny Hoppers and served as president of the club. She was Jr. Fair Rabbit Queen. She was a volunteer bell ringer for the Salvation Army and is a NPAC Volunteer.
Kyra is the daughter of Robert and Jacque Welch.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is only second to the United States Government in the number of scholarships awarded each year. Van Wert Lodge is proud to have been a sponsor for Kyra during this competition.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Supports Local Fire Department.
The Golf Committee from Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $500.00 to the Convoy Volunteer Fire Department.
The Elks are known for their support of villages and small towns not only within Van Wert County but across the nation as well. These funds will enable the department to make purchases that otherwise would not have been available.
Pictured, left to right are Brent Gibson, golf committee member, Dale Ball, Convoy Fire Department and David Kerns, golf committee member.
Conneaut Elks #256 Awards Scholarships to Local Students
Conneaut Elks Lodge #256 awarded two $1,000 scholarships to local students from the Eddie Kalmer's Memorial Golf Outing hosted by the lodge each year. Mikayla Thompson who will be attending Kent State Ashtabula and Riley Ferl who will be attending Ohio State were awarded the scholarships at the lodge.
From Left: Mikayla Thompson, Riley Ferl, and Exalted Ruler Dan Blank holding a photo of Eddie Kalmer.
Newark Elks #391 Honor Veterans on Flag Day
Flag Carriers Picture back row left to right: Brad Farnsworth, Jim Wagner, Harry Yockum, John Ridenbaugh PER, Bud Carlson. Front row left to right: Exalted Ruler Kathy Wise, Norm Morrison, Kenneth (Gabby) Warner, Steve Melroy, Larry Poulton, Christy Annarino, and Larry Thomas PER.
Nothing fills your heart with patriotism more than a Flag Day event. The Newark Elks Lodge #391 not only celebrated along with members and guests our nations Flag, but also our veterans. The flag history was read and the flags carried by our lodge veterans.
After the close of the program, we had our Newark Elks veterans gather for a photo. In the photo are veterans from WWII through Desert Storm. Each veteran was given a special Newark Elks Veteran pin with a heartfelt “thank you for your service” from Sarah Oneson, our Lodge Veteran Chairperson.
We wouldn’t have Old Glory without these men and women.
Ohio Elks Celebrate US Army's 248th Birthday at Ohio Veterans Home
Pictured are three Army Veterans just a few who attended.
On Wednesday June 14th (Flag Day!) the Elks hosted a 248th Army birthday party for OVH Veterans who proudly served this branch. This is one of the five birthday parties we will host this year thanks to the “Boost Grant” we were awarded from Grand Lodge.
Luckily we had a beautiful Spring day so the festivities were held outside in the pavilion that was decorated in an Army theme, balloons, and small gifts. They thought it was really cool!
A delicious picnic lunch of hamburgs, hot dogs, baked beans, macaroni salad with all the trimmings, coffee, and punch was served to the Veterans by volunteers and staff members.
Happy Birthday wishes were given and of course can’t have a party without cake, so a delicious homemade chocolate & white cake was served to all.
The Veterans were very appreciative and are honored that Flag Day is celebrated the same day.
Toledo-Sylvania Elks #53 Sends Tanks To Ohio Veterans Home
New adventure for Veterans!
Pictured: All four tanks displayed along with Eric and John who assembled the tanks.. Joined by two Veterans.
A request from the Ohio Veterans Home asking for 4 new tanks was answered by Toledo-Sylvania Elks Lodge #53. Okay, so they are small, remotely powered tanks, but one in particular was the kind used in WWII!
Each one has a steel gearbox, metal tracks 360’ degree rotating turret, high power rechargeable battery, radio control system. The Veterans plan to have “Guy Stuff” competitions.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Support Local Men's Shelter
The Golf Committee from Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $500 to the Haven of Hope shelter for men.
Pictured, left to right are Al Zimmerman, golf committee member, Jamie Ramos, Executive Director, Haven of Hope and Curtis Rager and Jim Boroff, golf committee members.
This shelter provides a warm bed and an evening meal for those without a home.
The Elks are known for their support of those who are homeless not only within Van Wert County but across the nation as well.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Donate To Help Renovate Local Stadium
From Left: Armando Alvarez, golf committee member, Eric McCracken, Eggerss Stadium Campaign Co-chair and Amelia Welker.
The Golf Committee from Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $500 to the Van Wert Cougar Pride Booster Club for the Eggerss Stadium Renovation Project.
The Elks are known for their support of youth activities not only within Van Wert County but across the nation as well.
Gallipolis Elks #107 Continues To Fight Hunger in Local Community
From Left: Lori Hall, owner and operator of Poppy’s Tea Shop and Food Pantry and Exalted Ruler Mike Null.
Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 used $2,000 from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to support Poppy’s Tea Shop and Food Pantry Poppy serves the homeless and needy by providing them with clothing, hot meals, hot drinks and every two weeks a box of groceries. No one in need is turned away. All of this is made possible because of donations of clothing, food and monies to the pantry Pictured from left to right are Lori Hall, owner and operator of Poppy’s Tea Shop and Food Pantry and Exalted Ruler Mike Null.
Jackson Elks #466 Spreads Drugs Awareness Program
from Left: Chief John Robinson, Sharon Brown, Mayor Anthony Brenner, and Investigator Mike Kemmerling.
Sharon Brown from Jackson Lodge #466 visited Wellston, Ohio to discuss Drug Awareness. The police Chief, the Mayor, and a Police Dept. Investigator took part. We discussed the packets and its contents. Instantly, they had plans to use the packets on the July 4th festivities, in the schools, Halloween, and much much more. They took 246 packets with a promise to order more. pictured below from Left to Right is Chief John Robinson, Sharon Brown, Mayor Anthony Brenner, and Investigator Mike Kemmerling.
Local Student Receives Legacy Scholarship Sponsored by Van Wert Elks #1197
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 have announced the awarding of a $4,000 Legacy Award Scholarship by the Elks National Foundation to Emma Hatcher. The Legacy Award Scholarships are awarded by the Elks National Foundation and are only available to children and grandchildren of Elk Members. Ms. Hatcher graduated this spring from Lincolnview High School and will be attending this fall The Ohio State University majoring in Psychology.
During high school Emma was a member of the National Honor Society, Lincolnview Service Club, 2023 Class Secretary, Drama Club and Spanish Club. She participated in Cross Country, Track and Field, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Athletic Leadership Council.
Emma attends the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church where she sings in the choir. She is employed at the Truly D’Vine Bread Company and was also a 2022 F.B.I. Future Agent in Training.
Emma is the daughter of John Hatcher and Heather Torlina.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is only second to the United States Government in the number of scholarships awarded each year. Van Wert Lodge is proud to have been a sponsor for Emma during this competition.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Supports Local Youth Baseball
The Golf Committee from Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $500 to the Van Wert Youth Baseball Association for the 2023 season.
FROM LEFT: Paul Cucciarre, golf committee member, Ben Price, Van Wert Youth Baseball President and Curt Rager, golf committee member.
With the financial help from the sponsors, youth ages 8 to 12 are able to travel and play teams within a tri-county area. On an average they have 6 teams and over 80 kids who are able to participate in the program.
The Elks are known for their support of youth activities not only within Van Wert County but across the nation as well.
Ohoi Elks Endowment Website Launched!
The Ohio Elks Association has officially launched a new website specifically designed for the Ohio Elks Endowment. This is a public website available to members and public visitors to learn more about the endowment and it’s mission.
The site is also where anyone can make donations to the endowment, either as a one-time donation, or as a monthly donation.
The “Benevolence Club” is where anyone can sign up to donate to the endowment on a monthly basis for as little as $10 a month. This is open to anyone, not just Elks, and can be cancelled at any time.
The “Patriot Club” is where anyone can make a single, one-time donation starting at just $25. This is also available to anyone, not just Elks.
As part of this launch, there is also a raffle available where anyone can buy raffle tickets for a new 75” TCL 4K SmartTV that will be drawn at the Fall Reunion in August.
This is a great new site that will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the endowment as we work to grow the fund and meet our goal to start driving programs out of the endowment.
This is the future of the Ohio Elks Association…be a part of it!
Elks Supports Beautification of Gallipolis
Pictured is Exalted Ruler Mike Null, right, and Karen Smith, president of Gallipolis In Bloom, at the banner presented to Gallipolis Elks for their continued support to the community of Gallipolis.
Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 donated $2,000 to Gallipolis in Bloom (GIB) to support the beautification of the city of Gallipolis with flowers and plants for the summer and fall. The money was used to purchase plants, flowers and flower containers to be placed throughout the community and the downtown area. The donation was made possible from a Beacon Grant awarded to Gallipolis lodge from the Elks National Foundation.
Salem Elks #305 Promotes Drug Awareness and Youth at Memorial Day Parade
What a nice Memorial Day Parade on this sun shiny morning. Thank you to Jeff Chapman for pulling the Drug Awareness Trailer and Jason Green for being Elroy the Elk. Regional soccer ⚽🏆 players Alicea Davis, Nora Shean and Clara Shean rode in the bed of the truck. If you missed it, the Drug Trailer had been newly wrapped with updated graphics. Honoring the Soccer ⚽ Shoot, Hoop 🏀 Shoot, Drug Awareness and Elroy, ENF, Veterans and the Ohio Elks Association. Included is a QR code!
May Brings Activity to The Ohio Veterans Home
Elks make the month Of May full of beautiful transformation, growth, and remembering.
At our recent State Convention several Lodges brought overwhelming donations of needed new clothing, personal hygiene items, games, etc. for our veterans.
A request came from residents asking for remote control tanks to get into tank competitions. They will form a club called “Guy Stuff”. A donation from Toledo-Sylvania Lodge #53 funded them. Toledo-Sylvania Lodge #53 also supplied flowers, herbs and soil.
Students from Sandusky St. Mary School accompanied by their teacher worked an entire morning to spruce up the gardens of 1 North Patio for the veterans to enjoy. Duties included planting flowers & herbs, pruning shrubs, mowing grass. Everyone had a fun time with our youth.
Five concrete statues each representing the branches of service were donated covering the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. We placed them where everyone can enjoy. The Ohio Veterans Home women are always there to help us with useful suggestions on what the veterans like, need, and enjoy.
Thanks to all for the continued support of our veterans!
Newark Lodge #391 Awards Scholarship To Local Student
The Newark Elks Lodge #391 sponsored the 2022-2023 Outstanding Public Safety and Consumer Science Department award. This $500 award is presented by Kathy Wise, Exalted Ruler of the Newark Elks and is being presented to Kara Smith from C-TEC’s Firefighting and Emergency Medical Services program.
While at C-TEC, Kara has earned the National Incident Management System (nims) 100, 200, 700, and 800 credentials along with the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of EMS, EMT - basic, cpr/first aid, OHSA 10 credentials, and is in the process of completing her Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Ems - Ohio Firefighter 2 credential. Kara has earned 26.5 college credits through College Credit Plus while at C-TEC. Kara is serving as the president of Ohio HOSA, which is a term that will run through next year and has served as C-TEC HOSA chapter president. Kara is a member of the C-TEC chapter of the Nation Technical Honor Society, C-TEC student council president and a member of C-TEC’s student leadership team.
Kara is planning on attending Columbus State Community College to complete an Associates of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services Technology.
Jackson Lodge #466 Works To Educate Jurors About Illegal Drugs
Sharon Brown, Drug Awareness Chair at Jackson Lodge #466, met with the Jackson Co. Prosecuting Attorney, Randy DuPree. We discussed the importance of educating Grand Jury Members on all illegal drugs. This will help the officers presenting drug cases to them. Prosecutor DuPree took 50 Drug Awareness packets.
Legacy Scholarship Awarded To Daughter of Van Wert Lodge #1197 Member
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 have announced the awarding of a $4,000 Legacy Award Scholarship by the Elks National Foundation to Finley Foster. The Legacy Award Scholarships are awarded by the Elks National Foundation and are only available to children and grandchildren of Elk Members. Ms. Foster graduated this spring from Van Wert High School and will be attending this fall The Ohio State University majoring in Child psychology.
During high school Finley was a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Student Council, Spanish Club, Service Pack, WBL Sportsmanship Committee, Junior Rotarian and participated in Varsity Volleyball, Football and Basketball Cheer, Competition Cheer and Tarzan the Musical school play.
Finley is a member of the Lifehouse Church where she participates in the Youth Group.
She also is a competitive dancer at Kim Hohman’s Danceworks,
Finley is the daughter of Shad and Kelly Foster and the Granddaughter of Bob and Vickie Foster of Van Wert.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is only second to the United States Government in the number of scholarships awarded each year. Van Wert Lodge is proud to have been a sponsor for Grace during this competition.